BC

Tough decisions ahead

The Canadian Press -
Nov 4, 2017 / 11:26 am | Story:
210793

Photo: File photo

British Columbia Premier John Horgan

British Columbia Premier John Horgan kicked off his party's post-election convention today cheering on the New Democratic Party's rise to power after 16 years of Liberal governments, but he quickly turned to serious topics.

Horgan says the New Democrats face one of the most difficult decisions in the history of British Columbia over the future of the $8.3 billion Site C hydroelectric dam, which has been under construction for more than two years.

An independent government-commissioned report this week found the project in B.C.'s northeast will likely not meet its 2024 completion date and is over budget and could cost more than $10 billion.

The New Democrats say they will make a yes or no decision on Site C, and the fate of the more than 2,000 people currently working on the project, by the end of the year.

Horgan told convention delegates the NDP also faces a looming battle over the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline project, which the party says threatens the province's coast.

Horgan generated large cheers throughout his speech, but the loudest came when he told delegates he will set his sights high and not accept second best.

Horgan hugged federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who was to deliver a speech to delegates later today.